Odonates of YNC Agumbe Trip 2023

In total, we were able to record 29 odonate species. The common odonates we found were Agriocnemis pieris, Orthetrum sabina, Vestalis gracilis, and V. apicalis. Unfortunately, we didn't photograph these common species much. On the very first day, we found an ode that I believe, though I'm not sure, is Esme longistyla. It was discovered in the areca nut plantation beside Hingara, our homestay.

The next day, on the 13th, we went to Jogi Gundi Falls. On our way there, we found Copera vittata and Vestalis apicalis in the leaf litter under the thick canopy. As we continued further, we discovered Protosticta sanguinostigma, a Vulnurable species and Caconeura ramburi near the stairs to the waterfall. Upon reaching the waterfall, we encountered numerous rock pools and a larger pond beneath the fall. There was also a nearby stream. This habitat proved to be interesting for many odonate species. The surrounding forest was adorned with ferns and mosses. Here, we found Euphaea fraseri, Protosticta sanguinostigma, Hylaeothemis apicalis, an unidentified Heliogomphus sp.(promelas/kalarensis), Heliocypha bisignata, a female Copera sp., and Caconeura ramburi. Although we have no pictures to confirm this, both I and @naturalist_aditya spotted a Protosticta with a bright blue prothorax, which is distinctive of Protostica mortoni. However, it flew away the moment we tried to take pictures. The most common species we observed in Jogi Gundi were Protosticta sanguinostigma and Caconeura ramburi.

On the 14th, we visited a forest stream at Mandagadde. While inspecting the stream, we came across a mature male of Pseudagrion indicum, three dragonfly larvae, and one exuvia. I'm not very skilled at larval identifications, so take these identifications with a grain of salt. The first odonate larva we found was that of Paragomphus lineatus. I believe the exuvia belongs to Ictinogomphus rapax. Both these species were found in the sandy area of the stream. Continuing downstream, we crossed a dam over the stream and ventured into the rocky section. Among the rocks, we discovered two other odonate larvae, which were very close by and looked similar. All I can say is that they belong to the Libellulidae family. Additionally, we found Heliocypha bisignata in abundance in this area.

We continued walking along the forest area beside the stream. We spotted Neurothemis tullia, Heliocypha bisignata, Orthetrum sabina, Caconeura ramburi, Vestalis apicalis, Trithemis aurora, and T. festiva. The notable findings here were Megalogomphus hannygtoni, a near-threatened species, and Gomphidia kodaguensis.

On the 15th, we revisited the areca nut plantation near Hingara. We only found common species such as Diplacodes trivialis, Orthetrum sabina, Agriocnemis pieris, etc. However, we did spot one lifer on this day, Ceriagrion cerinorubellum.

Altogether, I am happy with our results, considering that this isnt the best season for odonata. The best finds from this trip are
Protosticta sanguinostigma
Melalogomphus hannygtoni
Gomphidia kodaguensis
Pseudagrion indicum
Esme longistyla(unsure)

All these were observed together at all locations by me @samrudhnandagopal @poorna_sona @itsamantis @naturalist_aditya

Posted on May 31, 2023 08:47 AM by odonut